Domestic Violence in the Church

The Church of Christ Wembley Downs has expressed abhorrence of domestic violence in the community and has from time to time campaigned to raise awareness. As the spotlight falls this week on different expressions of the Australian church, this church’s leaders say there is absolutely no defence – theologically, pastorally, or biblically – for its

Coastal Hymn to Advent

Rosemary Booth, our Worship Convenor, was looking for a suitable hymn for Advent that reflected local context. Not being able to find one, she wrote the following to be sung to the tune of “There’s A Light Upon The Mountains” (Together in Song #276). Reflecting the habitat of Perth’s coastal plains, it is free for use

Third Sunday in Advent – Joy

Joy is much, much more than unbridled happiness. Joy is the underlying condition of deep perspective, a profound perception that, in spite of present suffering, all is well, and all shall be well. Such a stance is beyond gritted teeth stoicism against trying odds; it finds its centre in a sacred, peaceful place flowing with

Second Sunday in Advent – Peace

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” Isaiah’s oracle is how Mark’s Gospel begins – straight into a face off with the

First Sunday in Advent – Hope

The First Sunday in Advent also marks the beginning of a year’s cycle of Gospel readings focused on Mark. The season of Advent and Mark’s Gospel  go well together – a seemingly odd statement perhaps, as nothing of the story of Jesus’ birth is found in Mark’s rendition. In fact, Mark’s narrative seems as far away

Inasmuch…

This one word stands out at the peak and culmination of this year’s journey with Matthew’s Gospel. Over the course of the year, beginning last Advent, we have climbed Matthew’s mountain, celebrated with Matthew’s traumatised and exiled Jewish community the invitation to see Jesus as the new Moses who completes the Torah, all that is

A Trip Through the Apocalypse

Robert Brittain’s “24 Images of John’s Apocalypse” was commissioned and blessed at a special worship service at the Wembley Downs Church of Christ this morning. Emeritus Professor Reverend William Loader was present to address the gathering on the background and relevance of the book as a “text of hope.” Rosemary Hunter, lecturer in art history,

Service of Commissioning

Worship & Communion 9:30am, Sunday, May 5th, 2013 24 Images of John’s Apocalypse (acrylic on canvas) (detail) Artist: Robert Brittain Guest Speaker: Emeritus Professor Reverend William Loader (New Testament Studies, Murdoch University) All are welcome to come and contemplate this vast 24 panel panorama exploring the prolific imagery of the Book of Revelation

…That They May Be One…

Come along and hear Professor Paul Murray explore “receptive ecumenism” as a strategy for addressing this core value within a wider church setting. It is based on the experience of of an English regional project and will invite reflection on application in our own context. Saturday 14th July 10:30-3:30 “Introducing and Developing Receptive Ecumenism” St

Eco Ambassadors

When worship leader Trish Bevan pondered “hospitality” as a key theme in the Emmaus story, it synced with Jessica Morthorpe’s address on care for the environment as a central tenet of Christian stewardship. Jessica, Director of the Five Leaf Eco Award Scheme, shared her own journey into awareness of the connection between her two passions